Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install the ductwork, gutters, metal roofing, and specialty panels used in HVAC and architectural applications. Expect shop fabrication, field installation, and a mix of hand tools, power shears, and CNC cutting equipment.
National Wage Spread
Annual wages for Sheet Metal Workers across all experience levels, nationwide.
Sheet Metal Worker Wages by State
Median annual wage for Sheet Metal Workers by state, sorted highest to lowest. Click any state to see registered sponsors and local programs.
| State | Median Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $94,310 | 1,690 |
| Illinois | $93,570 | 4,240 |
| Washington | $93,230 | 3,870 |
| Hawaii | $91,540 | 430 |
| Alaska | $82,750 | 210 |
| California | $79,630 | 9,180 |
| Massachusetts | $79,260 | — |
| North Dakota | $78,910 | 380 |
| District of Columbia | $76,450 | 150 |
| Wisconsin | $75,970 | 2,990 |
| New York | $73,470 | 6,190 |
| West Virginia | $71,800 | 430 |
| Pennsylvania | $69,240 | 2,340 |
| Missouri | $66,340 | 3,740 |
| Idaho | $65,680 | 560 |
| Oregon | $65,190 | 2,920 |
| Oklahoma | $64,420 | 2,690 |
| Delaware | $63,850 | 290 |
| Ohio | $62,940 | 5,350 |
| Minnesota | $62,550 | 2,230 |
| Connecticut | $62,360 | 1,120 |
| Montana | $61,940 | 520 |
| Michigan | $61,680 | 4,590 |
| Maryland | $61,630 | 2,230 |
| Iowa | $61,620 | 1,590 |
| Utah | $60,490 | 1,870 |
| Maine | $60,320 | 880 |
| Indiana | $59,600 | 3,570 |
| New Mexico | $59,220 | 650 |
| Nebraska | $58,560 | 480 |
| Virginia | $58,490 | 3,870 |
| Colorado | $57,870 | 1,620 |
| Rhode Island | $56,950 | 410 |
| Vermont | $56,890 | 480 |
| Texas | $55,840 | 10,270 |
| Louisiana | $54,870 | 880 |
| Georgia | $53,960 | 3,850 |
| Tennessee | $53,680 | 2,040 |
| New Hampshire | $53,380 | 750 |
| North Carolina | $52,370 | 2,860 |
| Arizona | $51,440 | 2,990 |
| Wyoming | $51,240 | 170 |
| Kansas | $50,920 | 1,610 |
| South Dakota | $49,780 | 540 |
| Florida | $49,170 | 9,470 |
| Kentucky | $49,100 | 890 |
| Mississippi | $49,020 | 1,140 |
| Nevada | $47,590 | 1,130 |
| Alabama | $46,100 | 1,630 |
| South Carolina | $46,080 | 1,460 |
| Arkansas | $42,640 | 850 |
Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship Overview
A Sheet Metal Worker apprenticeship is one of the most established paths into the skilled trades. With a national median salary of $60,850/yr, Sheet Metal Workers earn well above the average American worker — and they start earning from day one of training, with no tuition debt.
Looking ahead, Sheet Metal Worker employment is expected to grow 2.4% by 2034. About 10,600 openings per year — driven heavily by retirements in an aging workforce — keep demand for apprentices high.
Nationally, wages span from $38,030/yr at the 10th percentile to $102,680/yr at the 90th. Geography drives much of this spread — the same trade can pay 50%+ more in high-cost states compared to rural markets.
Prefer Trade School Instead?
Apprenticeships pay from day one, but some people prefer the classroom-first path. Sheet Metal Workers also come up through trade school programs — shorter timeline, more upfront cost, and a credential before entering the workforce.
Or jump straight to a specific school: